Talk Story: Sharing Ainu Culture with OKI

PERFORMING ARTS TALK

OKI, an avid storyteller and one of the most prominent performers of Ainu folk music in the world, shares personal experiences, anecdotes and Ainu lore alongside talking about the traditional music of the tonkori – an instrument originally used by shamans to commune with the spirits of the natural world. OKI also chats about his recent forays into film directing, and his ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the unique culture of the Ainu people.

Related event:

OKI DUB AINU BAND
June 4, 2026

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Images: OKI performing with his OKI DUB AINU BAND in Hokkaido, Japan, 2023 © Lorraine Turci; OKI DUB AINU BAND © Courtesy of the artist

2025-26 Japan Society Season Support

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

2025-26 Performing Arts Season Support

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The season is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Additional, major support is generously provided by Doug and Teresa Peterson, Howard Gilman Foundation, and Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund, John and Miyoko Davey Foundation, and a leadership gift from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Program support is provided by The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation; Hisamitsu America, Inc.; Cheryl Henson; Merit E. Janow; Paula S. Lawrence; Akiko Mikumo; Hiroko Onoyama; Richard and Momona Royce; Dr. Jeanette C. Takamura; Nancy and Joe Walker; Estate of Alan M. Suhonen, and other Performing Arts supporters.

All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. is the official airline of the Japan Society Performing Arts Program. Yamaha is the official piano provider of Japan Society.